Job Discussion Forums

chrissytooth · Joined: 10 Aug 2010 Posts: 43

I thought I would be leaving Japan at the end of this year, but circumstances have pushed me to try to stay a bit longer. I would like to stay until August of next year, and my current teaching job will end in November this year, so I can't commit to a one-year contract for my next job. I have been teaching for a major Eikaiwa for two years and can get a good reference from them. I would like to work in Tokyo, either full-time or a couple of part-time gigs, teaching either kids or adults or both. I will most likely be on a spouse visa. I will also be living with my husband and would not like to live in a company-provided apartment. Salary is not my top concern, as I just want to make ends meet until I leave in August. I'm willing to work in just about any kind of company; it doesn't have to be another Eikaiwa. It can be anything.

I am worried about trying to find a job in the middle of winter. What are the chances I can find something then? What kind of companies should I consider applying for? Is it possible to work for less than a year without having to break a contract? I have only ever worked for one eikaiwa so I don't know what else is really out there or what to expect.

eledoremassis02 · Joined: 16 Apr 2013 Posts: 12 Location: United States

Maybe Gaba would be a good option, especially is salary doesn't really matter. There always looking on Gaijin pot (good or bad sign really).

I talked to someone who worked for them and said it was not too bad, plus it wasn't that hard to quit (if you had too).

HLJHLJ · Joined: 06 Oct 2009 Posts: 1218 Location: Ecuador

I agree, I think you'd be OK at GABA. If you have your own visa they offer 6 month contracts (which you choose to renew if you want to). I've been told it's not a problem to leave early AFTER you've finished 1 full contract (ie you could leave half way through your second), but I don't know that for sure. If you check their website it'll tell you if they have vacancies near you, but they don't list them all on there.

marley'sghost · Joined: 04 Oct 2010 Posts: 255

The major hiring season is spring, but there I have seen jobs advertised in winter. If you are not picky, like you said, something will turn up.
Don't worry too much about not commiting to a one year contract. People come and go in this business all the time, life does not happen in 365 day cycles. Just sign what ever they give you, and be sure to give one month's written notice before you quit in August. No harm done.
"....probably on a spouse visa..." It sounds like big changes are afoot, of which needing a short term job is only a small part of . Good luck!